The Comedy of Death

1854

Rodolphe Bresdin

Associated Names
Rodolphe Bresdin

Artist, French, 1822 - 1885

This drawing depicts a landscape with skeletal figures, barren trees, a reflective body of water surrounded by roots and skulls, and skeletal remains on the ground. Twisted trees with anthropomorphic features hold dancing skeletons in their branches. Swirling clouds fill the sky, creating a chaotic atmosphere. The composition is detailed and imaginative, portraying death and decay.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph on western paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    image: 8 9/16 x 5 7/8 in. (21.8 x 15 cm)

  • Accession Number

    1958.8.22

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Van Gelder 1976, no. 84 i/vi

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1976

  • Gelder, Dirk van. Rodolphe Bresdin. 2 vols. La Haye: M. Nijhoff, 1976.

Wikidata ID

Q65366190

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